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"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall" - F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Autumn is a season when time seems to slow, like the first leaves of Fall leisurely pirouetting to the ground, and Wells lets out a collecting sigh of relief as we come down from the height of another successful summertime. In Wells, it is a time for us all to take pause as we revel in the jewel-toned splendor of the foliage, acknowledge the slight waning of Route 1 traffic, savor crisp mornings and look forward to the abundance of offerings of the Fall season. Autumn should not be viewed as a decline of the year towards winter, but rather a deliberate lull, with much to look ahead to and be grateful for.
For Wells, October is filled with many activities and events to partake in, from the annual Haunted Hayride at the Parks and Recreation Department, the First Annual Antique Fire Show at the Fire Department, and a children's Halloween Party at the Library. We are also in the midst of a busy stretch of municipal work, including the advancement of the Comprehensive Plan to the Select Board, the progress of various infrastructure projects for the Public Works Department and preparations for the November election. Additionally, new statements of assessed values have arrived in residents' mailboxes as part of the 2023 town-wide property revaluation. With all that and more taking place this October, we will continue to work diligently to serve our residents, and hope that you will partake in the many joys of the season.
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Photo Courtesy of Wells resident, Matthew Rainey | |
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Progress continues with maintenance and infrastructure projects
Carol Murray, Director of Public Works
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The Department of Public Works has been staying busy with a number of different projects and maintenance work this Fall.
We did some emergency repairs to the slope at the Drakes Island Bridge to prevent further erosion. BREX Corporation got this done in about half a day, and they did a great job of locking the stones together to provide the stability needed to hold that slope until the bridge is replaced in about 2 years.
Newhall Road was closed on Monday, September 18th and the bridge was removed by mid-morning. CPM Constructors worked long days building the new bridge. On Monday, September 25th, the deck of the new bridge was placed. Traffic will be allowed on the new bridge on Tuesday September 26th. There will still need to be guardrail installed, and clean up of the site. But, in 8 days we went from no bridge to new bridge.
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We have a preconstruction conference on Tuesday, September 26th, with CPM Constructors to kick off the project to repair the damages to the north and south seawalls on Webhannet from the 2018 winter storm. These repairs will be complete in a few months.
The Army Corps gave a waiver to the town on the time of year restriction for in water work for the culvert replacement of Bragdon Road over the Merriland River. That is the culvert that Maine DOT required us to impose a 3 ton weight limit on. Construction of the new bridge can now be done starting in October and continue through the winter months. This will result in a closure of a stretch of Bragdon Road for 75 days to expedite the construction of the new bridge. There will be lots of public notice provided, and the public’s cooperation will be appreciated. Following up, once this bridge is complete will be the rehabilitation of the Charles West Bridge on Bragdon Road. We hope to advertise this for bids next spring.
Also, the drainage project on Pine Ledge and Robinson Road is going to be advertised for construction bids soon. Because the pavement on a section of Pine Ledge is to broken up, a pavement patch is planned for this fall to allow for winter plowing. Paving will also be done on Harbor Road and the neighborhood roads behind the safety center in October.
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On the maintenance side, we have rented a mower for 8 weeks. The DPW crew has stepped up and is keeping that machine working 7 days a week, sun up to sun down. I truly appreciate these guys making this happen. The town’s mower should be repaired and back in service by the end of September. We will be mowing until snow and ice arrive.
There is one landscaping contractor that is current working on tree clearing and another is set to start working 2 days a week starting in the middle of October. Once the leaves are down, an arborist will look at the widow makers around town, and we will work to get those removed.
There are several drainage issues around town and we are looking at these to develop plans to address them.
There is much yet to be done, but things are moving ahead in maintenance and infrastructure.
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A look back in time: Department of Public Works Photo Archives
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2023 Town of Wells Revaluation process outlined | |
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New statements of assessed value will have arrived in your mailboxes over the past few days. The following information is here to help explain the process and answer some of your questions.
Background
The Town of Wells has performed a town-wide property revaluation to establish an estimated market value for all residential, commercial, and industrial real estate within the town. Accurately valuing property ensures the property tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably. All owners of taxable real estate were recently mailed notifications of their assessed property values as of April 1, 2023.
The Town of Wells Assessor’s Office is here to serve the citizens of Wells by efficiently and fairly valuing all real estate and business personal property for ad valorem (at value) tax purposes. Our office maintains the assessment rolls, tax maps, and real estate registry for all parcels within the Town. We strive to provide useful information in a courteous and friendly manner to the public. We do this with impartiality, fairness, equity, transparency and in compliance with all State of Maine statutes and laws. An important role of the Town of Wells Assessor’s Office is to determine fair market value for all real property in Wells, which helps to ensure that the property tax burden is shared fairly and equally.
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Frequently Asked Questions | |
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What is a revaluation or reassessment?
A reassessment is a program undertaken by a municipality to appraise all property according to its full, fair, and just value and spreading the tax burden equitably. An essential condition for equity in property tax systems is uniform assessments, which helps to ensure that tax liabilities and property values are directly related.
The only way to ensure that all properties are valued equitably is to analyze each value with respect to the current market at a specific point in time, aka the valuation date. During a reassessment, market values of all properties are reviewed and changes in the real estate market will help determine which property values need to be increased or decreased.
Why is revaluation necessary?
Revaluation is mandated by State law with the purpose of equalizing market values that change over time between reassessments.
How does revaluation benefit property owners?
Property taxes are based on property values. Without periodic revaluations, some property owners would pay relatively more while others would pay relatively less. Revaluation resets property values to their current market value so that the property tax burden is equitable for all taxpayers.
How does my assessed value affect my tax rate and taxes?
The assessor’s office does not determine the total amount of taxes collected in your community, the tax rate, or your taxes. The assessor’s primary responsibility is to find the fair market value of your property, so that you pay only your fair share of taxes. The amount of tax you pay is determined by multiplying your TAX RATE by your property’s ASSESSED VALUE. Your tax rate is determined by all your taxing authorities. Your taxing authorities determine how much tax is needed to provide all the services you enjoy.
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How often does a reassessment occur?
The Maine Constitution says this should occur every 10 years. Maine statutes mandate that once the average assessment ratio drops below 70%, or when the quality rating exceeds 20%, a municipality shall conduct a revaluation under its jurisdiction.
If my taxes are paid through my mortgage escrow, should I do anything with the new assessment?
Yes. Once millage rates are certified through the FY24 budget process, you should notify your mortgage company of your new assessment, millage rate and an estimate of a change in your taxes so the distributions can be adjusted to your escrow account accordingly.
Otherwise, your mortgage company will not be notified of any change in your tax amount until they receive the next tax bill. This could create a shortfall or overpayment to your escrow account balance, potentially affecting your mortgage payment.
How was my property assessed?
The assessor’s office first reviews all the property to be assessed in your community and then values it. In reviewing your individual property, the assessor collects data about its characteristics, such as the amount of land you own, the location of your property, the number and size of improvements on your land, the physical characteristics of the improvements including number and type of rooms, the quality of construction of improvements, and so on.
This information is used to estimate the market value of your property by comparing the sale prices of similar properties, estimating the cost to construct your property, and/or calculating the potential rental income your property could generate (if any). Accurate appraisals require constant searching for and accumulation of significant facts to analyze in order to estimate the fair market value of your property.
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New Revaluation Property Values Online Database | |
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The information in the online assessment database, below, reflects the latest assessments of your property values, as of April 1, 2023.
To view the Assessor’s Office information about your property and the assessed value, use the Online Database button, below, to find your property by its Address (the property location) or by the Owner's Name. You can also use the database to view information about other properties in town, including searching for information on recent sales of properties.
Please Note:
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A new tax (mil) rate will be established by the Town in mid-October, based on the total town property valuation and the 2023-24 approved budget.
- Do not apply the current tax (mil) rate to your new assessment, as doing so will result in an inaccurate calculation of taxes.
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Personal exemptions (Homestead, Veteran, Blind, etc.) and Senior Property Tax Stabilizations are not reflected in the notice of valuation; these will be applied at the time the tax bill is generated.
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Land values for classified Farm, Tree Growth, and Open Space or other current use program properties are reflected in the assessment.
Additional Resources
More FAQ's and information about the Town of Wells 2023 revaluation can be found here.
General information regarding assessment, property tax and market value can be found here.
If you need additional information, find an error in your property record, or have a question, please call the Assessor’s Office at 207-646-6081, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The first and third Tuesday of each month 8 am to 6 pm.
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Wells Fire Department welcomes its first annual antique fire apparatus show and open house | |
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Wells Maine Fire Department is excited to announce its 1st Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Open House on Saturday, October 7th, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Wells Fire Department, located at 1563 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090. The day will include fun for the whole family, and the Fire Department is eager to give the public a glimpse at the work they do, through an Open House, tours, and various demos throughout the course of the day.
Antique Fire Apparatus from Southern Maine and New Hampshire will be on display. Many fire apparatus owners and crew will be available to answer questions and relay details about each vehicle.
The public will get a chance to tour the Fire Department facilities, accompanied by a staff member, and learn more about the inner workings of the department. Additionally, staff will host demos throughout the day, including donning full turnout gear, forcible entry demonstrations, displaying a hydraulic extraction “Jaws of Life” tool, and fire extinguisher demonstrations. The new Tower Truck will be featured and its capabilities will be shown to the public.
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The family fun continues with food, door prizes and Touch-a-Trucks. Maine Diner, Fred’s Fried Dough and Plot Twist Pretzels will be on hand to serve up delicious food. All participants have a chance for a free entry to win one of our incredible door prizes.
“The event is new to Wells and it is a chance to showcase our new fire station, equipment and our capabilities to the residents,” says Wells Fire Chief, Mark Dupuis. “We are excited to showcase our commitment to the Town with an open house and a nostalgic look back into the history of fire apparatus in the region, and we hope to see the town come out to enjoy the day with us.”
We hope to see you for a day of Family, Fun and Fire Trucks! For more information, please reach out to the Wells Fire Department at (207) 646-7912.
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Electric Vehicle Show Attracts Record Number of Vehicles
Wells Energy Advisory Committee
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The Third Annual Electric Vehicle Show held at the Wells Public Library on September 10th was a great success. Hosted by the Wells Energy Advisory Committee, the free show attracted more than 25 Electric Vehicles, including ten dealer vehicles of various brands that were available for test drives by local residents. | |
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Interest levels were high, and one of the dealer vehicles was sold during the show following a test drive! A large number of local EV owners also participated who displayed their vehicles and answered questions about EV ownership. Several participants said it was the best and most well-organized show they had attended this year.
You can view more photos of the event here.
WGME Channel 13 reported from the EV Show and aired footage from the event that evening. You can check out the article and footage below. The Energy Committee looks forward to another successful event next year.
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New subsurface rules, fee schedules and lodging applications
Jodine Adams, Code Enforcement Officer
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The Code Enforcement Office has been especially busy with complaints the past few months, receiving on average, 10 a week. Each complaint is investigated with a site visit to determine if there is a violation that will need to be addressed.
The Code Office is also working with the Lodging Committee to update the Lodging License Application and will be recommending fees for new lodging applications to the Board of Selectmen soon.
The State of Maine just amended and approved the subsurface rules on September 23, 2023. The Town received notification of these amendments on September 27, 2023. This will affect property owners, contractors, and site evaluators. If a subsurface plan was designed prior to September 23, 2023, and does not have a valid permit from the Town, it will have to be reviewed by the Site Evaluator that designed the system, verifying it complies with the new rules by signing off on the existing design noting it has been reviewed. If a subsurface design has permit stickers from the Town of Wells, the existing permit is valid for 24 months to install and does not have to be reviewed under the new rules.
The Code Enforcement and Planning Offices have been working on a new fee schedule. The existing fee schedule has not been increased since 2010. The Budget Committee, when reviewing the 2023-2024 proposed budgets, recommended a review of the fees. The Board of Selectmen agreed with the recommendation and tasked the Code and Planning Departments with reviewing the fee structures of surrounding communities and presenting a cost formula to the Select Board in a workshop. It was determined that most communities base permit fees on cost of work per $1000.00 with a base fee. The Board of Selectmen agreed with the Code Enforcement and Planning Offices that this was not fair and equitable. Regardless of the cost of the project, the time it takes to inspect a project is based on how large the project is in square footage, not in how much it costs to build. The new fee structure will still be the lowest cost for permitting in the region. A public hearing will take place on October 3, 2023.
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Spotlight on the Maine Loon License Plate:
Get into Maine State Parks for free!
Jodie Sanborn, Finance Director
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Created in 1993, the conservation plate benefits the Maine Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Land and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The funds collected from your specialty plate fee ($20.00 at your first registration and $15.00 at each year’s renewal) are used to help maintain and improve Maine’s State Parks and Historic Sites and support the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund.
The Conservation Specialty Plate is available as a passenger plate (for vehicles with a registered weight of up to 10,000 pounds) and as a commercial plate (for vehicles with a registered weight of 10,001 pounds or more). Vanity plates with a maximum of 5 characters are also an option for this plate.
As a bonus, each July brings Conservation Plate Appreciation Day when you can enjoy free admission to most of Maine’s State Parks just by arriving in a vehicle sporting a loon plate!
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Comprehensive Plan forwarded to the Select Board | |
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A public hearing with the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee, the Town’s Consultant and Town Staff took place on September 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall.
The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (CPUC) had completed its task of reviewing and updating its previous plan to reflect the aspirations of what the town’s future character, aesthetics, and growth will be over the next ten year period. The updated plan had been submitted to the State, and the State has approved it as presented. Then, it was time for the residents of Wells to be active in the acceptance and implementation of the plan.
At the Public Hearing on September 21st, residents had the chance to have their voices heard. The Town’s consultant, Steven Whitman of Resilience Planning & Design, began the meeting by giving a brief history and summary of the Comprehensive Plan update. Then, public comments were heard. Committee members, the Town Consultant, Town Staff, and Selectmen present, were able to respond when appropriate.
The CPUC determined there were no changes to be made to the plan, and the Committee voted to forward the proposed Plan to the Board of Selectmen for consideration to hold hearings and place on the June 2024 Annual Town Meeting.
The plan can be accessed on the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee website and hard copies are available for viewing at the Library, Town Clerk’s Office, Town Manager’s Office and at the Code and Planning Office.
View the September 21st Public Hearing below.
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Staff Spotlight:
Natalie Gould
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Name: Natalie Gould
Department: Parks & Recreation
Position: Administrative Assistant and Recreation Programmer
Year Started: 2015
Favorite thing about your position:
I love that everyday in Parks & Recreation is different! I can be found working on the computer, running a program with kids or planning for a large event all in the same day! In addition to that, every season is different.
What do you like to do in your spare time:
My go to activities are swimming and cycling. But I really love just about any outdoor activity. I also enjoy spending time with my family and watching my two daughters participate in sports and theater.
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Public Safety building toured as an architectural example | |
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On September 20th, the Public Safety facilities hosted a class led by Architects Design Group. Architects Design Group, with local architect Lavallee Brensinger, joined the Town of Wells in their mission to build a new 50,557-SF public safety facility in 2019. Now, the facility is viewed by municipalities around the United States for its exemplary design.
The class was created for those who were in the process of planning new facilities or looking to do so in the near future. The Wells Public Safety building was used as a model to showcase its features. There were 40 attendees from all over the country, including 20 police personnel, 4 town managers, 8 fire personnel and 4 EOC/ 911 Center Operators. The attendees toured the facilities as a means to gain insight into what constitutes a well-designed Public Safety building.
Thank you to our Public Safety staff for hosting the class and tour!
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A big thank you to our Friends of the Wells Library
Cindy Appleby, Library Director
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October 15-21 is National Friends of the Library week.
The Wells Public Library could not offer the expansive programming it does without the support of the Friends Supporting the Wells Public Library. The Friends supply almost all the library’s programming budget. All our summer reading programs, supplies, and grand prizes are funded by the Friends.
In addition, this year, they have generously funded our young adult area renovation, the purchase of two new benches by the front entrance, and a conference table for the community room.
The Friends work hard sorting and organizing books for their books sales. The sales’ proceeds, along with membership dues, and the grants that they apply for, fund the annual donation made to the library.
Please consider becoming a Friend of the Library starting at just $5.00 a year. You can pick up a membership form in the library or click here to join or renew online. If you’re also interested in donating your time, they have a lot of fun sorting books and staffing their monthly sales. If you’re interested in helping with book sort, stop by on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. to meet the crew!
The Friends meet monthly on the second Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
They hope to see you there!
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October also means it’s time for our annual Children’s Halloween Party!
Thursday, October 26th at 6:00 p.m.
Come in costume and participate in a scavenger hunt, creepy crafts and spooky games!
For adults we have:
Knock Out Browntail Moths
Thursday, October 19th, 2:00 p.m.
Come by the library for this informational session from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and protect yourself from infestations.
Haunted New England with Chris Daley
Tuesday, October 31, 5:30 p.m.
Join Chris Daley for a spooky evening of melding historical fact together with legend and myth to produce a new look at events that really happened in New England.
Check out our new story walk at the pier: In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes
The library will be closed Monday, October 9th in observance of Columbus Day.
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Fall Rec Programs are underway; Haunted Hayride is right around the corner
Tina LeBlanc, Parks and Recreation Director
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Our Fall programs are now up and running with over 20 Soccer and Field Hockey teams, Archery, Mad Science, and Odyssey of the Mind. In addition we are already planning for winter!
Our ever so popular Annual Haunted Hayride is coming up on October 21st. This year’s theme is “Nightmares”! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. These tickets will sell out so be sure to register early!
Our Maintenance Department of one and an occasional seasonal helper has been extremely busy keeping up with storm damage, cleaning of the bathrooms, office, and other buildings, and all the mowing due to the extended warm weather leaving the park in great shape for the community to enjoy.
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Spooks and Haunts and Frights, Oh My! | |
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Join us for a wonderfully spooky evening for Parks and Recreation's Annual Haunted Hayride!
Travel down our haunted trail on one of our hay wagons to see the creepy, unearthly, and mysterious scenes along the way! Along with our famed hayride, there will also be concessions and music.
There will be multiple tractors running throughout the evening. Your ticket includes entertainment and one hayride. If you arrive after your time slot, seats are not guaranteed. Entrances open 15 minutes prior to your time slot. Ages 4 & under are free and do not need a ticket - they may be asked to sit on a lap.
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Tickets: $13 per head
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Date: Saturday, October 21
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Rain Date: Sunday, October 22
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Tickets available in 1/2 hour time slots. If you arrive after your time slot, seats are not guaranteed. Entrance open 15 minutes prior to your time slot.
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Location: Walter Marsh Recreation Park: 412 Branch Rd, Wells, ME
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Tickets Must Be Presented At Entrance For Admission. (Print or on Phone)
- NO REFUNDS
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Newhall Road bridge project reaches completion | |
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On September 28th, the first vehicle drove over the newly constructed Newhall Road bridge. Newhall Road was closed on September 18th and CPM Constructors worked long days removing the old bridge and erecting a new one in its place. On September 25th, the deck of the new bridge was placed and as of today, September 28th, traffic is now allowed on the bridge.
Photos here detail the previous condition of the bridge, including documentation of need of repairs, as well as the construction process and the final stages of the project.
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Thank you to our Public Works Department and CPM Construction for their fantastic and speedy work in removing and replacing an entire bridge in 10 days! Thank you also to the homeowners on Newhall Road for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of this project. | |
Webhannet Sea Wall repairs to begin October 9th; please use caution | |
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Please be aware that on October 9th, CPM Constructors will be starting work on the project to repair portions of the north and south Webhannet Seawalls. The road will remain open, but the lane width might be reduced at times.
We ask that you use caution when driving on Webhannet Road throughout the duration of the project. Thank you for your understanding.
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Wells Town Hall Offices to close on Monday, October 9th | |
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Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Columbus Day.
The Town Hall Offices will reopen with regular business hours again on Tuesday, October 10th.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Prescribed burns conducted at Wells Barrens to manage ecosystem health | |
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Wells Barrens, off of Wire Road in Wells, is managed with controlled burns implemented by trained conservancy and partner staff. The flora and fauna of the Wells Barrens is dominated by fire tolerant plant species that are well-adapted to the nutrient poor soils on site and that respond favorably to periodic fire. Burning maintains the grassland community necessary for nesting habitat for grassland birds.
Grasslands and shrublands are ephemeral in the New England landscape, and without burning, the grasslands will become invaded with pitch pine, gray birch, red oak, white pine, and pine cherry. Fire creates a change in vegetative structure and composition, creating new openings and initiating a nutrient release that increases food availability for many species. Carefully controlled fires are necessary for the health of the entire grassland ecosystem.
There were two controlled burns that occurred in the month of September. We are cognizant of alerting the public when these burns will take place. If you see smoke in this area during those times, please be aware this is most likely a result of the controlled burns that are scheduled.
We invite the public to visit the Wells Barrens and check out the unique ecosystem for yourself!
A map and more information can be found here.
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Prepare to cast your vote in the November 2023 elections | |
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Absentee ballots, for the November 7th Election will be available starting Tuesday, October 10th, 2023. To request an absentee ballot, please call our office at (207) 646-2882 or come into the Town Hall. The absentee ballot application can also be found here.
To return your ballot, you can conveniently do so through three easy options.
- Return your ballot in-person at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Hall.
- Return your ballot by depositing it in the drop box that is located at the rear entrance to the Town Hall building.
- Return your ballot through the mail.
To ensure your ballot is accepted, please be sure to sign the return envelope. A common reason absentee ballots may be rejected is because the back of the return envelope has not been signed.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot without a special circumstance is November 2nd at 4pm.
You can learn additional information about election day here.
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Public Safety helps celebrate WHS Homecoming
Thank you to our Police and Fire Departments for coming out to show their support for Wells High School for an awesome night of school spirit at the 2023 Homecoming Parade on September 22nd.
Police cruisers and fire trucks helped lead the way for the parade, which ended at the high school football fields for an evening football game.
Thank you to all who came out to take part in the festivities!
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Current Board and Committee vacancies available; apply today | |
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Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancy; 2 alternate member vacancies
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Budget Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
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Comprehensive Plan Update Committee - 1 member vacancy
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Energy Advisory Committee - 2 alternate member vacancies
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Lodging Facility Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
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Personnel Advisory Board - 1 member vacancy
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Planning Board - 1 alternate member vacancy
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Recreation Commission - 2 alternate vacancies
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WEMS Board - 2 member vacancies
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Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 associate vacancy
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Wells residents host tours to showcase rooftop solar | |
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Curious about rooftop solar? The Wells Energy Advisory Committee recommends you check out two Wells homes on the ASES Solar Tour.
Curious about solar and other clean energy technologies? As part of the American Solar Energy Association Solar Tour, two Wells residents are hosting tours to show and answer your questions about their home’s rooftop solar and other energy-saving features.
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Beth and Marty Widmayer, at 56 Gendron Drive invite you to check out their rooftop solar system on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, from 8 am to 4 pm, in person. You can check out the event here.
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Craig Merrow is hosting a VIRTUAL tour which you can access anytime starting October 6th, 2023. You can check out that tour here.
You can view a map of all the solar tours being offered across the country here.
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Fire Prevention Week: October 8th- October 14th | |
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Fire Prevention Week will take place from October 8th through the 14th. The second week of October was named as Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Agency in 1922 in commemoration of The Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Here are some fire safety and prevention tips:
- Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
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Replace smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries twice per year and test monthly.
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Plan your escape with a family meet-up spot a safe distance from the house.
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Space heaters need space! Read each manual carefully as space requirements change with the size of the unit.
- Cook with caution! Cooking is the leading cause of house fire.
- Do not plug portable air conditioning units into an extension cord or surge protector as they can overheat and catch fire.
- Be sure your house number is clearly visible so that firefighters can find your house in a emergency.
- Teach children to stop, drop, and roll. Never run if your clothes catch fire.
You can check out additional information about fire safety and prevention and find activities for kids here.
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Wells Reserve plans for Fall programs sure to please | |
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October 2023 Programs at Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Kayaking on the Little River Estuary
Tuesday, October 3, 12:30-3:30pm
Paddle the quiet waters of a Maine estuary, watching wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat from a registered Maine Kayak Guide at the Wells Reserve. For ages 12 and up. Some restrictions apply. $60/$48 plus site admission. Registration required. FMI 207-646-1555.
Explore the Shore
Thursday, October 5, 10am-12pm
The treasures we find on the beach can tell us stories about the land, the ocean, and the beach itself. While strolling Laudholm Beach, we will explore questions about the sand, the wrack line, and found objects. Free with site admission. Registration required at 207-646-1555 x110 or caryn@wellsnerr.org.
Writing Effective Survey Questions
Tuesday, October 10, 9-11am
Surveys are a popular community engagement tool for helping people understand their stakeholders and quickly assess large populations. But poorly designed surveys can yield questionable results. In this virtual workshop, Dr. Chris Ellis provides best practices for writing effective survey questions. Ellis is a social scientist at the National Ocean Service who has extensive experience working with state and local municipalities. $20. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Autumn Tree Walk
Wednesday, October 11, 10am-12pm
Why do leaves change color in the fall? Why do some leaves turn earlier than others? To find out, join this guided hike through the woods at the Wells Reserve with Maine Master Naturalist Eileen Willard, who spent 15 years as a University of New Hampshire lab instructor in dendrology, the study of trees. For ages 12 and up. $8/$6. Registration required at 207-646-1555 x116 or suzanne@wellsnerr.org.
Secrets of the Salt Marsh Walk
Thursday, October 12, 10-11:30am
Learn what is special about these productive ecosystems, nestled between seashore and uplands, on a docent-led walk at the Wells Reserve that covers about 1 mile. Free. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x110. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Kayaking on the Little River Estuary
Friday, October 13, 9am-12pm
Paddle the quiet waters of a Maine estuary, watching wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat from a registered Maine Kayak Guide at the Wells Reserve. For ages 12 and up. Some restrictions apply. $60/$48. Registration required. FMI 207-646-1555.
Portal of Awareness Walk
Saturday, October 14, 9:30-10:45am
Learn about compassion and mindfulness from author, therapist, compassion educator, and grief worker Elizabeth Straka. We will meet and talk at the gazebo, then take a facilitated walk to discuss principles of compassion and elements of awareness. Free. Registration not required.
Seasonal Stroll: Autumn
Monday, October 16, 11am-12:30pm
Do you revel at the first reds and yellows of fall? Do you look forward to the arrival of warblers in the spring? Do you wonder how monarchs know it’s time to head south? The timing of these life events matters and on this autumn stroll at the Wells Reserve talk about why. For ages 12 and up. $8/$6. Registration required at 207-646-1555 x110 or caryn@wellsnerr.org. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Other October events and details can be found here.
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League of Maine Craft Show to be held October 7th & 8th | |
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Ready for some holiday shopping? You’ll find unique handmade gifts at the new show for the Maine Craft Show in Wells, October 7th & 8th. The juried show, held at the Wells Jr. High School on Rte. 1 (1470 Post Road), features Maine and New England artists and craftsmen. Shows are Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
The fair is a tradition for visitors and locals alike. The aisles are filled with creativity: Jewelry, pottery, photography, soaps, clothing and accessories, candles, wood crafts, fiber arts, handcrafted specialty foods and much more. Admission and Parking are free.
The craft show is held rain or shine.
For more information, contact show director Rita Poli at (207) 967-2251 or by email.
You can also learn more about the craft show on the website and Facebook page.
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Stay informed with the RAVE Alert System | |
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Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.
The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.
Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.
Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.
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Town of Wells October Meeting Calendar | |
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October 2, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM;
Wells Town Hall
October 3, 2023, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Wells Town Hall
- Lodging Facility Advisory Committee Meeting
October 4, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM;
Wells Public Library
- Staff Review Committee Meeting
October 11, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Wells Town Hall
October 18, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Comprehensive Plan Update Committee Meeting
October 19, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Wells Town Hall
October 23, 2023, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
October 24, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Wells Town Hall
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If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector,
please contact Rebekah Kelley at 207-361-8130 or by email.
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